By Johnathan Paoli
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has marked World Teachers’ Day with a powerful tribute to the nation’s educators, past and present, while sounding a warning about the growing pressures that threaten the profession.
Celebrated annually on 5 October under the auspices of UNESCO and Education International since 1994, SADTU General Secretary Dr Mugwena Maluleke welcomed this year’s theme: “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession”.
“From the fireside to the classroom, teaching is a collective endeavour. Today’s educators must be supported by systems that value teamwork, shared wisdom, and sustained public investment. Let us recast teaching as a profession of unity, dignity, and transformation. Because when teachers stand together, societies rise together,” Maluleke said.
The union emphasised that teaching, from ancestral storytellers around the fire to freedom fighters holding clandestine lessons under apartheid, has always been rooted in shared struggle, solidarity and collective wisdom.
While celebrating the contribution of teachers, Maluleke raised concerns about the harsh realities facing South Africa’s educators.
The union pointed to a recent Stellenbosch University study which revealed that nearly half of the country’s teachers are considering leaving the profession.
The findings cite overwhelming administrative workloads, overcrowded classrooms, lack of mental health support, escalating learner indiscipline, and even threats of violence as factors driving disillusionment.
“These conditions are unbearable, yet our teachers continue to show resilience and dedication,” Maluleke said.
He urged educators not to give up, pledging to continue fighting for improved working conditions and greater professional recognition.
The union used the occasion to call on multiple stakeholders to step up their role in supporting teachers, urging the government to increase funding for school infrastructure and to hire more educators to reduce class sizes.
Employers, the union argued, should provide psychosocial support to safeguard teacher mental wellbeing.
Parents, learners and communities were also called upon to help create safe, respectful and conducive environments for teaching.
“There is a need for thorough engagement with institutions of higher learning on the development of teachers and the kind of educator the future demands,” Maluleke stressed.
The union insisted that systemic reform, sustained investment, and cross-sector collaboration are essential if teaching and learning are to flourish.
Maluleke also reminded educators to uphold the dignity of their profession through discipline and respect for learners.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube joined the chorus of appreciation for South Africa’s educators.
“Across the world, we are celebrating the vital role that teachers play in shaping communities, government and building economies. Teaching is more than just a profession, it is a calling that requires resilience, patience and a real love for teaching,” Gwarube said.
She highlighted the global recognition of the profession calling for not only celebration, but support in building the future of tomorrow.
World Teachers’ Day, first established in 1994, is not only about celebrating educators but also about advocating for their rights and highlighting the United Nations’ Recommendations Concerning the Status of Teachers.
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